Saturday, April 19, 2014

Most Pirates fans had their attention turned to the team's acquisition of first baseman Ike Davis from the New York Mets. On the field though, they lost to the Milwaukee Brewers last night 5-3, dropping the Pirates record to 8-9 on the season. They also lost second baseman Jordy Mercer halfway through the game when he got hit in the ankle with Martin Madonado's spikes. Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune tweets out what happened:

#Pirates Mercer crumbles to ground after being clipped on right ankle by Maldonado on force out at second base.
— Rob Biertempfel (@BiertempfelTrib) April 18, 2014

The injury occurred in the top of the 3rd inning & Mercer would not only stay in the game, he would lead off the bottom of the third with a single & score on a single by Russell Martin. He was then replaced at shortstop by Clint Barmes to start the 4th inning. Rob Biertempfel spoke to Mercer after the game & tweeted out his comments:

#pirates Mercer said Maldonado's cleat caught him above right ankle. "Just bruised, no cuts, but it hurt a lot."
— Rob Biertempfel (@BiertempfelTrib) April 19, 2014

Mercer will be checked again today to decide if he can play or not. It wouldn't be a surprise if Barmes gets the start so that Mercer can rest it for the day. Mercer is hitting .217 this season with a double & three RBI.